L2TReC is currently running a project funded by a grant from the Language Flagship. Students
are assessed at various stages of language development with listening, reading, and
speaking tests. The tests, developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), provide an official rating of proficiency in each of the three skills according
to ACTFL’s Proficiency Guidelines.Students are also given self-assessment tools to understand and articulate their level
of language competence and to observe and demonstrate their own development. This
process can empower them to direct their own language learning.

Most Current Language Initiative

Project Testing Dates

04/10/2017 to 04/21/17 Library Suite 1704

Assessment Project Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FLAGSHIP Grant?

The University of Utah's Second Language Teaching and Research Center (L2TReC) in
partnership with Salt Lake Community College ( SLCC) has received the Flagship Language
Proficiency Assessment Grant to strengthen and broaden current language proficiency
assessment practices across the two campuses. To do this we will be testing students
in Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Russian on reading, listening and speaking skills.

What are the testing procedures?

Participating students will take 3 different exams, speaking, reading, and listening,
each of which can take up to 50 minutes. These computerized tests will be administered
in 112 Orson Spencer Hall (OSH). Please consult your instructor for each testing date
and time. In conjunction with the test you will also be asked to complete a basic background
questionnaire with questions related to how you learned the language, how many courses
you have taken, how often you practice it, etc. Your answers will allow us to better
understand what factors contribute to language learning in addition to improving classroom
instruction.

Why are these tests beneficial to me?

These tests can cost hundreds of dollars if you had to pay for them yourself. This
grant allows you to take the tests at no cost to you. After your test has been rated
you will receive a nationally recognized certificate attesting to your proficiency
level. These certificates are extremely valuable if you want to prove your level of
proficiency in your second language to a potential employer, to apply for graduate
school, etc. This is a great opportunity for you to find out your level of ability
in the target language and for us to determine how to make language instruction more
effective. Please email l2trec@utah.edu if you have any other questions about this
project.